The 4 per 1000 initiative aims to promote sustainable soil management in order to take action for food safety and the climate. The event attracts a large number of personalities from all arenas: government representatives, intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations, and research institutions. During the opening session, Monika Christmann gave a presentation on the OIV, including its involvement in issues related to environmental protection and sustainability.
Soils are a place of considerable carbon stocks, yet often overlooked. An increase of 0.4% per year of soil carbon stocks, thanks to adapted cultivation practices, could absorb up to 80% of total greenhouse-gas emissions.
The aim of the 4 per 1000 initiative is to encourage approaches that seek to promote carbon sequestration in soils.
The initiative, launched by the French government during COP21 in 2015, has seen strong expansion since. Today the consortium has 21 countries and 11 intergovernmental organisations as members – including the OIV – while 19 countries and over 100 non-governmental organisations and research institutions take part as forum members.